News

Norwalk Girls Basketball Begins State Tournament Mar. 4.

Eli Geisler, Keegan Johnson, and Isaac Binder

March 3, 2025

The girls basketball team poses with their state qualifier banner after their game on Tuesday. Norwalk defeated Pella 85-56.

The Norwalk girls’ basketball team advances to the state tournament with their Tuesday night victory over Pella. They will play #5 Central Dewitt on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena. It is the team’s first time going to state since 2007, and they look to capture their first state title since 2006.

In the girls’ sub-state final, Norwalk broke out to an early 9 point lead in the first quarter and never looked back. Led predominantly by sisters Bailey and Braylyn Birmingham, as well as juniors Pearl Brown and Hannah Overholser, Norwalk ended the first half with a 44-23 lead over the Pella Dutch.

Braylyn Birmingham would keep the momentum rolling in the third – reaching 20 total points early in the period. Braylyn would end the game with a team high 27 points.

The Warriors would not lose momentum as they ended the game with a score of 85-56, in favor of the Warriors.

“I think number 1 (Pearl Brown) impressed me,” said senior Aidan Basinger, who attended the game Tuesday night. “I saw her put up some good blocks to help Norwalk.”

Freshman Jackson Belby, who also attended the Warriors’ game, shared his thoughts as well.

“I thought Braylyn did really good,” Belby said. “I’m excited for the team’s chances at state.”

The Warriors play on Tuesday, Mar. 4 at Wells Fargo Arena at 1:30 p.m. Tickets must be bought online through the IGHSAU and can be found here: NORWALK GIRLS BASKETBALL TICKET LINK

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About the Contributors

Eli Geisler, Staff Reporter

Eli Geisler is a junior at Norwalk High School, and is beginning his first year of journalism. Geisler is a member of band, student council, large group speech, tennis, and show choir, among other activities. He plans to be a social activist after high school along with doing some writing. Geisler encourages you to follow him on “Letterboxd” at eli_guyslurp.

Keegan Johnson, Editor

Keegan Johnson is a senior at Norwalk High School. This is Johnson’s’ second semester of journalism, he said he joined journalism to become a better writer. Johnson is involved in rugby, band, jazz band, and is the Pro Start team captain. Johnson likes to race RC cars and play video games in his free time. “I am really looking forward to writing interesting stories and keeping people in the loop.”

Isaac Binder, Staff Reporter

Isaac Binder is a senior at Norwalk and is taking journalism for the first time this semester. He participates in football and rugby for the school and enjoys hanging out with his friends in his spare time. Isaac decided to take journalism this year because he viewed it as a potential career path after high school and college, and had a previous interest in journalism. He was unaware Norwalk offered journalism before this year. After high school, Isaac plans to take a year off to complete general education through DMACC before attending a four year college in-state.